European circus travels to Hazel Park Raceway

It’s unlike any show on earth — European circus meets a American tradition.

The Moslem Shrine Circus comes to the Hazel Park Raceway, 1650 E 10 Mile Road, today through Sunday, March 30, with three shows most days.

Rick Wallenda, eldest grandson of Karl Wallenda, returns with “The World Famous Wallendas.” He will present a contemporary group of high wire walkers. As the patriarch of the Wallenda family, Rick leads this troupe, while introducing young talent into the family tradition.

New at this year’s Shrine circus is Jeurgen and Judit Nerger’s tigers. They have more than 30 years of experience working with tigers and bears in Europe, honing their craft under the great animal trainers of Germany, Austria and Poland. They’ve appeared for many years in the German State Circus. They won first prize in the 1996 French Massy Circus Festival.

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Robert and Gabriella Zerbini return to the Shrine Circus this year with a new act showcasing sword balancing and juggling. Gabriella, a native of Mexico, won the gold medal at the International Circus Competition in Mexico City for her trapeze artistry.

Also new this year is the Dragomir troupe, established in Bucharest, Romania. This high-flying teeterboard group of eight acrobats feature two gymnasts who are catapulted over five feet in the air. Their show also includes a perch pole act. They placed first in the 2004 Holland Circus Festival, second in the French Massy Circus Festival, and second in Spain’s Mondial Circus Festival.

Erika Zerbini, a favorite of the Shrine Circus, returns with her Liberty Horse and Elephant act. Zerbini is known for her compassion for her animals and her grace in leading them in performance.

Keeping it all together and on time is Richard Curtis, a favorite of Detroit audiences. A decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who served in the Persian Gulf War, Curtis is one of the most sought-after ringmasters in North America. Not only is he host for the performance, he is also the performance director and prop boss.

In addition to the main attraction, the circus will feature rides on circus animals and a petting zoo.

“The Shrine Circus is a great Detroit tradition,” said Joe Kish, co-director. His co-director, John Ozanich, has been a volunteer worker at the Detroit Shrine Circus for over 30 years.

“I can’t wait to get to work on the circus every year,” he said. “It’s fun for those of us in the Moslem Shrine, and it’s great fun for the community.”

Tickets start at $6. For show times and ticket information, visit https://www.detroitshrinecircustickets.com/Attractions.ashx.